v1-4: Paul returns to the problem of ignorance, in contrast to the Corinthians' love of knowledge. Even though they knew Christ, and had experienced His blessings, their attitudes were not spiritual; here he addresses the problem of complacency in the place of humility. Some even continued in idolatry and immorality (v7-8), which were often seen together (see Num 25.1-2).

Paul refers to Israel's experiences in the wilderness as a lesson and a warning. He assumes a knowledge of the O.T., which doubtless he had taught whilst with them. He refers to Israel's five fold blessing (corresponding to God's grace, as in 1.27-28);

• They were all under the cloud, and therefore knew God's presence; for the Christian the promise that He will never leave us;
• They all passed through the Red Sea; we are baptised/overwhelmed by the Spirit of God (12.13);
• They were all baptised into Moses; initiated into Christ;
• They all ate the same spiritual food; being sustained by Him daily;
• They all drank the same spiritual drink; experiencing His forgiveness and cleansing.

The whole nation had received these wonderful things, Rom 9.4-5, yet did not fully grasp the wonder and privilege, and fell back into sins.

There was a tradition of Jewish Rabbis’ teaching that the exodus is linked with baptism of Gentile proselytes. In Ex 14.31, ‘they believed in the Lord, and in his servant Moses.’ Thus, each individual was incorporated into the community of the redeemed, which was led by Moses, God’s appointed leader.

Paul speaks of the rock that followed them, the rock that was Christ; this speaks first of His faithfulness, for they were undeserving of His presence and blessings. Second, we are reminded that Christ was smitten for us, just as Moses hit the rock with his staff; this released sufficient water for the whole nation; just as Christ's sacrifice was sufficient for all who would believe.

v5: God was not pleased with most of them; there was a lack of faith, a lack of appreciation of His goodness, and a lack of commitment to Him. Spiritual privileges and experiences do not save, nor do they guarantee discipleship; in Heb 6.4-5 there is another list of five-fold blessings, with a warning that those who fell could not renew themselves again to repentance; such things happened to religious people.

Their bodies lay strewn across the desert, as a testimony to the truth of these things; they did not enter His rest, Heb 3.16-19.

v6: The events in the wilderness are made relevant for us; they are examples, warnings, and types; i.e: we must find the spiritual meaning within the incidents, and learn from them.

The Israelites set their hearts on evil things, as listed in v7-10; idolatry, immorality, testing the Lord, grumbling. For each one there was judgment, for three of the four they "died". Whilst we must expect a range of temptation, it is clear that persistent rebellion against God will bring its consequences, even in this life.

Heb 3.12 refers to a "sinful, unbelieving heart" amongst the people; they had heard the message, but "did not combine it with faith" (Heb 4.2); when God speaks, by faith we must hear and obey.

v11: Almost repeating v6, examples and warnings to us. The O.T. is not just a book of interesting stories, it is part of God's word to us, and we must learn, and walk in the good of it.

v12: We must not be careless or complacent; for anyone can fall into sin. We will experience similar temptations, for we live in the world, and temptation is part of the world; we too have a sinful nature which provides a desire to sin.

v13: We must not be discouraged; God is faithful, therefore we can stand against temptation, and reject sins.

In Christ, God has been tempted, and resisted with suffering (Heb 2.18). For us, we know that our temptation is restricted by God, and we are always able to escape it.

v14: The way of escape is to flee from idolatry. Even though an idol is nothing (8.4), we must but consciously associate with what others call idolatry. It must be clear that we will have nothing to do with such things.

v15-21: The reality behind the appearance; physical things have a different meaning once there is true faith; we are to consider the apostle's words (v35), discover that they are true, and apply them.

v15-17: The Christian shares the communion of the blood and body of Christ; so to share bread and wine is precious.

v18: The Israelite after the flesh ate from the offerings made at the altar; he could not do that lightly. To do it wrongly was a serious matter under the law (see 1 Sam 2.12-17).

v19-21: The idolater believes he is honouring his god, otherwise his action would be simply an empty ritual. The reality is that they sacrifice to demons. We who share the previous things of Christ cannot also have fellowship with demons. Thus Paul exposes the reality behind what is said and done.

v22: Where God has spoken, we are foolish not to take notice. We must have an exclusive live for God; or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Since He is "the Lord", He demands utter surrender to Him, single-minded love and devotion, tolerating no rivals. We must obey His commands; or are we stronger than He? Do we think we know better than God?

v23-24: It is not wrong to eat meat offered to idols, but does it edify? And not just myself, but others (v24)? We have a responsibility to be considerate to others. A real love for the brethren means that we will be thoughtful towards them.

These are principles, clearly stated. In the following verses, Paul refers to a real life situation where those principles can be applied.

It is for us, in our own contexts, to apply those same principles. 

v25-30: We may eat food, enjoying the Lord's provision for us. Where there is the explicit statement, "this was offered to idols", then to eat would bring offence. The way of maturity is to see that all food is from God's hand, and to enjoy liberty in Him.

v31: If we do all things to the glory of God, then that is what matters. Glory for God is not someone restricted to ‘religious’ activities, but something for our whole lives. In our everyday actions and duties, our very attitude must tend to God’s glory. Therefore be thankful, unselfish, not greedy, but generous.

v32: Give no offence; if my actions offend others, then that does not glorify God.

Paul refers to the three groups of humanity, Jews, Gentiles (Greeks), and Christians, matching 9.16-20; we are to have a concern for believers and unbelievers, "a servant to all that I might win the more"; thoughtful and concern are consistent with the proclamation of the gospel (v33).